Since August 2024, the Assistance Dog Assessment Association (ADAA) has been formally recognised by the UK Civil Aviation Authority (CAA) in relation to our aviation assessment. This recognition is significant: the ADAA remains the only assistance dog organisation outside of ADI and IGDF in the UK to hold this status, providing an established and credible pathway for owner-trained teams to access air travel.
For many assistance dog handlers, particularly those with owner-trained or privately trained dogs, flying has historically presented challenges. While there is no official register or legal certification requirement for assistance dogs in the UK, airlines will often request evidence that a dog has been trained and assessed to an appropriate standard. Without this, even highly trained and reliable dogs may face barriers to travel.
The ADAA’s aviation assessment was developed to help address this gap, ensuring that teams outside of ADI and IGDF can demonstrate that they meet appropriate standards for air travel. Our assessment helps provide reassurance to airlines and make the travel process smoother for owner trained assistance dog teams.
The ADAA Aviation Assessment
The aviation assessment standards focus on whether a dog and handler team can travel safely, confidently, and without disruption in an all aspects of flight, from the departures lounge to the plane and beyond!
Some of the key areas we assess include:
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The dog’s ability to settle in a confined (but uncrated) space for extended periods, such as laying at the handler’s feet between public transport seats
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The ability to eliminate on a puppy pad in a confined space (think aircraft toilets or airport cubicles). This is essential for welfare reasons. We don’t allow the use of belly bands or “nappies”. Dogs should be given the opportunity to relieve themselves at intervals during travel. Please visit our blog post on how to train this.
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Comfort with being searched using a novel object, such as a (hovering) security wand.
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Comfort with temporary separation from the handler and remaining calm while the handler is “mock searched” with a (hovering) security wand in view nearby.
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The ability to cope with lifts and elevators (moving platforms).
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Tolerance of loud noises, such as aircraft sounds played in a confined space at approximately 105 dB.
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Being muzzle trained, as this is a requirement for some airlines.
Successful teams receive certification recognised by the CAA, providing airlines with clear, independent evidence that the dog meets appropriate training standards for air travel.
Further information about the assessment can be found here:
https://theadaa.org/aviation-assessment
It is also important to remember that the aviation assessment is only one part of preparing for travel. Handlers should always check directly with their airline to confirm any additional requirements before flying. Depending on the destination, there may also be country-specific entry requirements to consider, such as health documentation, vaccinations, import permits, or quarantine regulations. Individual airports may also have their own protocols, so make sure to check in advance!
Some of our success stories
Over the past few months, ADAA aviation assessed assistance dog team have undertaken flights all of the world! From domestic flights in the UK, to holidays in Europe and even all the way to Australia! Even our dogs deserve a bit of a summer holiday sometimes!
Long haul International flights present additional challenges beyond domestic travel, including significantly longer journey times, extended periods in confined spaces, and more complex airport processes. Our aviation assessment provides clarity for everyone involved, even for the longer journeys with stop overs.
Here are some of our incredible dogs doing what they do best!
